3 New Watering Holes You’ve Gotta Try

Bars with high-end cocktail culture are not uncharted territory in Nashville, but these three watering holes are bringing something new to the table. With design influences that lean towards Prohibition and Art Deco styles, these new bars offer a pervading spirit of a cocktail culture celebrated in the early 1900s. The glam and gaiety associated with the Prohibition Era is celebrated at Attaboy with its discrete entrance, at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club with its design and hard-to-find door and at Black Rabbit with canapés and a cocktail-forward concept. Each place also offers a modern approach to cocktails, and that is what sets them apart. See what each one of these new places is mixing up and all the reasons you need to pay them all a visit.

Attaboy, with its original location in New York, opened its second location in East Nashville, and since its opening in July, this bar has been the talk of the town. Tucked away on Mcferrin Avenue, an alley between Main Street and Woodland Street, the bar is a bit hidden. Once you find it, though, give a gentle knock to gain access to the speakeasy-style watering hole. Answer the bartender’s questions to help determine which cocktail is right for you — there’s no menu, after all. “We ask open questions, because everyone has something they are looking for, whether that be a flavor or a twist on an Old Fashioned,” says Brandon Bramhall, Attaboy Nashville’s managing partner.

Designed by Jamie Pfeffer of Pfeffer Torode Architecture, the details resemble those found in the New York location, although the space itself is much larger. At night, the lights are dim and the details are hard to distinguish, but be sure to take a close look at the arched ceiling above the bar, the unique paint job, the green leather and wood tones of the c-shaped banquets by Kings Commercial Interiors, the light fixtures and the “A” sign.

Intrigued? Click here to learn more about this great place to grab a few drinks.

Tucked away at the end of an alley behind Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen, just below the stairs to The Bowery Vault, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club was not intentionally hidden, but that’s become part of its charm. “We aim to be the opposite of pretentious,” co-owner Bryan Rushton tells us. “And you don’t need a password to get in.”

Art Deco design and a creative cocktail menu by Will Benedetto define the experience, and the space created by Bryan and partner Andrew Cook is inviting and comfortable. A handful of bar stools, high tops and booths ensure that the crowds stay to a minimum so you can fully enjoy your time inside. And if there is a wait, pop over to Mickey’s Tavern until you receive a text that your spot is available.

Cocktails range from $10-$13, a reasonable price point in this cocktail culture, and a large charcuterie board with meats and cheeses (vegan options are also available) will run you $28.

Want to know more? Click here to read about our visit and learn what the owners had to say about the business.

In a historic building in Printers Alley, Black Rabbit opened with a 36-drink cocktail menu and a 16-plate food menu, with small plates cooked on a wood-fired grill and oven. Meats and veggies make for sharable snacks ideal for a pre-dinner treat or a meal shared with friends. Co-owner Trey Cioccia has been surprised by the attention to the food, which is directed by Chef de Cuisine and partner Chad Kelly. Trey, Chad and General Manager Robert Compton, with Wine and Beverage Director Troy Smith, have created a space reminiscent of Printers Alley’s past. A thoughtful design by Kathy Anderson of Anderson Design Studio sets the tone for this Prohibition Era-style bar and restaurant. “We have created a place where people can snack, socialize and drink. I welcome tourists but want locals to find a home here, too,” Trey tells us.

We paid them a visit and tasted most of the menu and eight of the cocktails. Click here to learn more about the restaurant and hear what we thought about our first visit.